The Garment Grab

On this day in 1886 it was reported Jessie Clarke, noted for being a ‘Liverpool woman’ had been charged with stealing a gown worth 7 shillings. The garment was the property of Jeannette Thorburn, the wife of a joiner living in Birkenhead’s John Street. Two days earlier Mrs Thorburn had put the dress out on a line to dry when the dishonest Ms Clarke took the opportunity to steal it. She was spotted and perused by a policeman who followed the thief into the house of Mrs Moore where she had attempted to hide. Jessie was arrested and jailed for three months. The dress was found lying a kitchen basket flung there during Jessie’s dash for freedom.